The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday in an FCT High Court, Maitama, opened its case against Dr Fortune Fiberesima, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s chief physician.

Fiberesima was alleged to have abused his position as the chief physician to the former president in 2012 in awarding contracts valued at N258.9 million and N36.9 million to companies where he had interests.

He was arraigned on a six- count charge bordering on abuse of office by influencing the award of contracts to companies where he had interest.

EFCC said the offences were contrary and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The contracts are reclamation of land at the State House Medical Centre and supply of medical consumables.

He was granted bail on April 25 on the same condition by EFCC administrative bail, of two directors in government service with landed property in Abuja.

In addition, he was ordered to deposit to the court registrar his international passport.

At the resumed sitting, EFCC brought two witnesses out of nine billed to testify in the matter

The first witness, Mr Aminu Abubakar, retired director, Maintenance, State House, was led in evidence by Hussaina Gambo (Mrs) EFCC counsel.

He told the court that the contract for the reclamation was awarded in February . 2013 to a company named TE and C Ltd at N358.5 million to be completed within 16 weeks.

Abubakar said that at the completion of the contract, certificate of practical completion was issued to the contractor.

The witness also told the court that he was invited to EFCC and DSS in 2015 and 2016 respectively to answer questions in relation to the project.

When cross- examined by Mr Granville Alibo (SAN) counsel for the defendant, the witness said that the defendant was never a member of the Tenders Board.

“Even in the award of contract, the defendant never sat as a member of Tenders Board which reports to the Permanent Secretary of the State House,’’ the witness said.

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers (R) presenting the award of Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) to Former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt Rivers state.
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Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers (R) presenting the award of Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS) to First Military Governor of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, during the the Excellent Achievers of Rivers Golden Jubilee State Awards in Port Harcourt Rivers state.
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Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu (R) Leading other drummers, during the 2017 Igwa Nshi festival of Amankwo-Eke festival at Udi local government area of Enugu state on Sunday (28/5/17).
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Cultural Dancers carrying a pupil of Unique Blossom Schools Maitama during the School's Cultural Day Celebration to mark 2017 International Children's Day in Abuja on Sunday (28/5/17)
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An accident scene at secretariat junction along Yakubu Gowon way in Jos on Sunday (28/5/17).
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From left: Former Governor of Sokoto State, MalamYahaya Abdulkarim; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Emir of Talata-Mafara, Alhaji Muhammad Bello-Barmo and Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State during the inauguration of 11 kilometers road and modern primary health care center in Garbadu, Danfonfo and Yarkufuji communities in Talatar-Mafara and Bakura local Government Areas on Sunday (28/5/17).
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2017 Batch A-Corps members demonstrating fighting techniques, during the visit of the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure in Lagos on
Sunday (28/5/17).
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2017 Batch A-Corps members performing during the visit of the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure in Lagos on
Sunday (28/5/17).
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From left: Representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Augustine Okoi; former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice Adm. Ishaya Ibrahim; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas; President, Naval Officers Wives’ Association (NOWA), Mrs Theresa Ibas and the
Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, at the 61ST Navy Week Inter-Denominational Church Service at All Saints Military Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja on Sunday (28/5/17).
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